Bartlett laments poor start

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Durban- Following their relegation to the National First Division (NFD), Golden Arrows interim coach Shaun Bartlett believes that the KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit were affected by their poor start to the campaign.

Abafana Besthende lost their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status as they finished at the bottom of the log, as the team who finished second from bottom, Polokwane City, still have a fighting chance of staying up as they will contest the PSL promotional playoffs with the teams finishing second to fourth in the NFD for the final PSL spot for next season.

Speaking exclusively to Sport24, the 2000 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Golden Boot winner revealed that he was not under pressure when he took over the reigns at the club with Bheka Phakhati, following the sacking of Mark Harrison midway through the season.

"There was no pressure at all," said Bartlett.

"We were affected by our bad start to the season.

"It was so difficult for us as we were trying to survive in the PSL.

"At some stage we were 10 points behind in the first half of the season.

"Modern football is so competitive."

The former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs striker also said that Arrows intend to rebuild the team as they aim to return to top-flight football in the near future.

Bartlett, 42, also confirmed that he will still be involved with the 2008 MTN8 winners.

"I''ll still be here at Arrows next season.

"The club owners want us to stay as we want to rebuild the team so that we can come back stronger but it won't be easy," he added.

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